Alpharetta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

How Georgia Pedestrian Accidents Happen

Many pedestrian victims never contact an attorney because they worry that they were at fault for their accident – even though they have never looked into the matter, or even though they have a suspicion that something wasn’t right. In reality, drivers are the cause of a significant number of these tragic collisions.

Here are just some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in which the pedestrian is not at fault:

• The driver did not obey traffic laws (including right-of-way laws, traffic lights, or crosswalks).
• The driver did not yield to a pedestrian.
• The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The driver was fatigued or asleep at the wheel.
• The driver was distracted.
• The driver simply “didn’t see” the pedestrian.
• The road or intersection was poorly designed or poorly signed.
• The city or state did not properly care for the roadway.

Types of Compensation Available

In Alpharetta, Georgia, compensation in a pedestrian accident is typically awarded to cover the victim’s financial and emotional losses caused by the accident. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident (or their insurance company) is usually responsible for paying damages.

Types of compensation available include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can be compensated for all medical costs related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries prevent a person from working temporarily or permanently, they can recover compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged during the incident (like a phone, watch, or clothing), the pedestrian may be compensated for the repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness—such as drunk driving or fleeing the scene—punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If the pedestrian dies as a result of the accident, their family may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the value of the deceased’s future earnings.

Here's how compensation is determined:

• Fault: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the pedestrian is found less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages, but the amount is reduced by their percentage of fault.
• Insurance: The driver's liability insurance typically covers the pedestrian’s damages. In hit-and-run or uninsured driver cases, the pedestrian may turn to their own uninsured motorist coverage.

Recovering from a pedestrian accident – or caring for an injury victim – is extremely stressful and time-consuming. Many people think that they simply don’t have the time or energy to seek legal help, while others just want to put the accident behind them. Our Alpharetta pedestrian accident attorneys want you to know that if you give us a call, we can take this burden off your back and make sure that your case sees justice. If you don’t have a case, we will tell you honestly. If we think you do, we will work tirelessly at your side to get you what you need and deserve.